The new film comes ahead or National Care Leavers’ Month, which is due to commence in November 2025.
The latest statistics show a third of young people leaving the UK care system become homeless within two years. With this fact in mind, it’s safe to say that change is more than necessary.
A new documentary has been created which showcases how Shared Lives – an alternative form of adult social care – can help people leaving the care system. The initiative involves carers opening their homes for young people to ensure they’re living in a safe environment.
Launched by Shared Lives Plus, a UK-based charity, the film features care-experienced ambassadors Gracie, Katie and Victoria alongside their carers and was shot at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach.
While talking about Shared Lives, Gracie said: ‘It enabled me with a lot of freedom to be independent. It’s just made me feel like I can be my own individual person, which I’ve never had before.’
Arguably this film couldn’t have come at a better time. Research from the charity shows there are 84,000 children in care in England and over 92,000 care leavers aged between 18 and 25. What’s more, half of young prisoners under 25 have care experience and one in three become homeless soon after leaving the system.
Shared Lives Plus said its programme is already making a difference. Since its launch last year, 115 young people across 37 schemes have joined Shared Lives arrangements, with 79% now in education, training, or work—well above the national average.
Ewan King, CEO of Shared Lives Plus, has called for greater national adoption: ‘Every year, thousands of care leavers face a care cliff. Shared Lives offers a proven, human solution. It’s time for it to be included in national guidance.’
This film was first posted on Shared Lives Plus’ YouTube channel.
Featured image by Junior Usuanlele-Oshodi via UnSplash
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